The ongoing monsoon rains have unleashed chaos across Pakistan, with Gilgit Baltistan (GB) among the worst-hit regions. Flash floods and landslides have killed at least 10 people and injured four, while infrastructure damage has crossed Rs20 billion. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan confirmed that seven districts have suffered severe devastation, including destroyed homes, roads, and water channels.
The floods have completely demolished 300 houses and partially damaged 200 more. Critical infrastructure, including 30-40% of water channels and 15-20 km of roads, has been washed away. CM Gulbar warned that GB’s limited resources are insufficient for recovery and urgently requested Rs7 billion in federal aid. He has also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir to visit the region and expedite relief efforts.
The GB government has declared the worst-affected areas as calamity zones and is distributing tents and emergency supplies to displaced families. Authorities have been directed to restore electricity, drinking water, and roads on a priority basis. Additionally, CM Gulbar ordered the removal of illegal encroachments along waterways to prevent future disasters.
Transparent damage assessments are being conducted to ensure fair compensation for affected families. The CM emphasized the need for long-term solutions to mitigate climate-induced disasters. As Pakistan grapples with monsoon devastation, solidarity and swift action are crucial to rebuilding shattered communities.